Does Kuna, ID need an earthquake retrofit?

Under the seismic model IBC and ASCE 7 use for new construction, Kuna is Category C. Moderate seismic hazard. Code adds irregular-building restrictions and requires bracing of some nonstructural components (e.g. tall shelving, water heaters) in addition to structural detailing. Nationally, Kuna ranks above 72% of the 4,875 cities in this dataset for seismic hazard - the 72th percentile.

Where Kuna sits in Idaho

USGS's underlying values for Kuna: 0.124g peak ground acceleration, 0.28g at short period, 0.103g at 1 second. Within Idaho alone, Kuna ranks 29 of 36 cities by seismic hazard - the 20th percentile in-state. Kuna has a population of about 29,127.

Retrofit economics for Kuna

A full earthquake retrofit typically runs $5,000-$10,000 nationally (around $7,000 typical), driven mainly by house size and foundation type, not by Idaho specifically. California's Earthquake Brace + Bolt grant, which covers a large share of this cost, is a California-only program and does not apply in Idaho.

What this means for insurance

A Kuna homeowner cannot buy a standalone earthquake policy in most cases - it is added to an existing homeowners policy as an endorsement, so the place to start is a regular home-insurance quote.

Where Kuna's figures come from

Kuna's Category C and every number above trace to USGS's own ASCE 7-16 Design Maps service - see the methodology guide. See the category explainer for what Category C does and doesn't tell you about Kuna.